Quick answer: Transmission Fluid Change on a 2016–2022 Honda Pilot is rated Easy and takes about 2-3 hours. You'll need 10 tools for this job, and parts cost about $29. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Honda ATF Type 3.1 Transmission Fluid |
— |
$8.00 |
|
| Drain Plug Washer |
90471-PX4-000 |
$1.00 |
|
| Transmission Fluid Filter |
25430-R70-A01 |
$20.00 |
|
| Drain plug, single-use (9-speed) |
06237-5J4-010 |
— |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Identify Your Transmission (6-spd vs 9-spd!)
The wrong fluid causes shift problems. Check your trim/year or VIN BEFORE buying fluid. The 9-speed's case is tagged 'ATF3X' (means Type 3.1). Follow the branch for YOUR transmission. Park level.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
The 6-speed versus 9-speed split is the whole job — wrong fluid, wrong procedure, wrong everything. I check the trim, the year, and the VIN before buying a single quart; 'ATF3X' on the case means Type 3.1, full stop.
2
Drain (different plugs!)
6-SPEED: Remove the square-drive drain plug (3/8" ratchet, no socket) — drain ~3.3 qt. Replace the aluminum crush washer (Honda 90471-PX4-000). 9-SPEED: Remove the 8mm hex drain plug — drain ~3.5 qt. Install a NEW drain plug (Honda 06237-5J4-010 — single-use, built-in gasket, no washer). The 9-speed's plug is one-time-use — don't reuse it. Position the drain pan for either. The 6-speed's 36 ft-lb vs 9-speed's 26 ft-lb torque reflects the different plug designs.
3
Reinstall Drain Plug (36 vs 26 ft-lbs!)
9-SPEED: install the NEW drain plug (06237-5J4-010) — torque to 26 ft-lbs. The 6-speed reuses its plug with a new washer; the 9-speed gets a whole new plug. Don't mix up the torques: 36 for 6-speed, 26 for 9-speed.
4
Refill (DW-1 vs Type 3.1!)
6-SPEED: Add ~3.3 qt of Honda ATF DW-1 through the dipstick tube (or the top 17mm fill bolt). The fluids are NOT interchangeable — DW-1 in the 9-speed (or Type 3.1 in the 6-speed) causes problems. Buy 4 quarts for either.
5
Set Level (dipstick vs level plug!)
6-SPEED: Check via the dipstick — engine warmed up, then engine OFF, check within 60-90 seconds. Requires a scan tool, VSA maintenance mode, and gear cycling (1-2-3-4-3-2-1, never past 4th on lift). Don't attempt the 9-speed without a scan tool.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I know the 9-speed level check is the fussy one — engine running, ATF at 104°F, gear cycling 1-2-3-4-3-2-1, never past 4th on the lift. Don't attempt it without a scan tool; guessing the temperature means guessing the fill.
6
Check Leaks and Test
Check for leaks. Maintenance Minder code 3 indicates ATF service. The 6-speed's external filter (Honda 25430-PLR-003) is only replaced after a rebuild — not a routine item. Don't use the wrong fluid — the label 'ATF3X' on the 9-speed means Type 3.1.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Overfilling the transmission fluid
- • Using incorrect transmission fluid type
- • Not properly torquing the drain and fill plugs
- • Neglecting to replace the drain plug washer
- • Failing to check the transmission fluid level after the change
